Sand Valley
Coore & Crenshaw's sand-barrens masterpiece in central Wisconsin, a walking-only public course where firm turf and a famous punchbowl green await any golfer who books.
Sand Valley in photos
Can I play Sand Valley?
Yes, Sand Valley is a public destination resort, and its original Coore & Crenshaw course is open to anyone who books. There's no membership or handicap requirement; it's pay-and-play, with resort guests getting tee-time priority. Non-staying golfers can book golf-only times subject to availability.
How to book: Book a stay-and-play package through sandvalley.com or call the resort (888-651-5539) to guarantee tee times; golf-only times can also be reserved online or by phone when available. Summer weekends go quickly, so reserve well ahead. All play is walking-only, and caddies can be added at booking.
About Sand Valley
Sand Valley is the course that launched a destination resort, built by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw on a rare inland dunescape of glacial sand in central Wisconsin. Firm, fast and rumpled, the par-72 layout rewards ground-game creativity, culminating in the celebrated punchbowl par-3 17th set in a natural amphitheater. It's a strictly walking experience, played with caddies or push carts, in the mold of the great sand-belt courses. Public and pay-and-play, Sand Valley has been chosen to host four USGA amateur championships, beginning with the 2026 U.S. Mid-Amateur.
Signature hole
The par-3 17th is the calling card, a mid-iron to a vast punchbowl green cradled in a natural sand amphitheater that gathers shots toward the flag.
What makes it special
Sand-barrens masterpiece
Coore & Crenshaw carved firm, rolling fairways from a rare inland dunescape in central Wisconsin.
The punchbowl 17th
A short par-3 to a vast amphitheater green that has become one of America's most photographed holes.
Future USGA host
Chosen to stage four USGA amateur championships, starting with the 2026 U.S. Mid-Amateur.
Tournament pedigree
- U.S. Mid-Amateur (2026)
- U.S. Junior Amateur (2029)
- U.S. Women's Mid-Amateur (2030)
- U.S. Girls' Junior (2034)
Need to know
Best time to play
The season runs roughly April to November; June to September is peak with the best turf and weather. Spring and fall shoulders are cheaper and quieter but cooler.
Dress code
Collared shirts and golf slacks or shorts; no denim or athletic wear. Walking-only, so bring comfortable shoes.
Good to know
Sand Valley is strictly walking, no carts. Caddies (~$100 per bag plus tip) or push carts are the options, and firm, rolling terrain makes it a genuine walk. Allow 4 to 4.5 hours and bring water in summer.
Upcoming golf tournaments
Prefer to watch the world’s best? Book tickets to an upcoming tournament, then add a hotel and flights.
Getting there
Nearest airports
Central Wisconsin (CWA), Mosinee ~50 min; Madison (MSN) ~1.75 hrs; Milwaukee (MKE) ~2.5 hrs; Chicago O'Hare (ORD) ~3.5 hrs.
On arrival
The resort sits in the central-Wisconsin sand barrens near Nekoosa, about 3.5 hours north of Chicago and 1.75 hours from Madison. Fly into Central Wisconsin Airport (CWA) for the shortest drive (~50 min), then rent a car; the resort is rural and self-contained once you arrive.
Stay near the course
The resort's lodges, cottages and village accommodations keep you steps from the first tee and guarantee tee times; nearby Wisconsin Rapids has budget hotels for day trippers.
Search hotels near Sand ValleyPlan your golf trip
Hotels near the course
Live-priced stays a short drive from the 1st tee.
Search hotelsFlights
Get to Nekoosa, search fares to the nearest airport.
Find flightsTournament tickets
Rather watch the pros? Book golf tournament tickets.
See golf ticketsThings to do
Tours and experiences around Nekoosa.
Explore NekoosaFrequently asked questions
Can anyone play Sand Valley?
Yes. It's a public destination resort, and the original Coore & Crenshaw course is open to any golfer who books; there's no membership or handicap requirement.
How much is a round?
Peak-season rounds run around $325, with cheaper spring and fall shoulder rates. It's walking-only, so budget a caddie (~$100 per bag) or a push cart on top.
Do I need to stay at the resort?
Staying on site guarantees tee times, but golf-only times are available to non-guests when the sheet allows. Summer weekends book up early.
Is Sand Valley walkable?
It's walking-only, no carts. Caddies and push carts are available, and the firm, rolling terrain makes for a genuine but rewarding walk.
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Green fees, access rules and tee-time policies change frequently and vary by season. The figures here are indicative for trip planning — always confirm on the official site before booking.
- Sand Valley, Golf Courses
- Sand Valley, Golf Rates
- USGA, Sand Valley to host four amateur championships
Guide updated 2026-07-27.